Research and case studies
Researchers, students and funders study how the Library of Stuff works and what difference it makes. Here's what they've written, and our own research.
-
The Un-tiques Roadshow: Letting Things Go
Dr Tim Buescher, one of our directors. Funded by the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust.
Why do people give their things to the library? This project follows donated objects from when they were bought, through their use, to the day they were let go, and what they meant to the people involved. What we learn will help us encourage more donations, and could help anyone finding it hard to let go of possessions, for example when downsizing or when a family can't agree what to keep.
Donated something? Take part in the questionnaire: The Un-tiques Roadshow: Letting Things Go
-
“We want people to buy less”
Access – The Foundation for Social Investment
A case study of the Library of Stuff by one of our funders: how the library started, how it works and why it matters for Hull.
-
Research report on carbon-based methodologies used by Libraries of Things
A Cardiff University student, for Benthyg Cymru, the Library of Things in Wales. We were interviewed for it.
How seven Libraries of Things, from Geneva, Gothenburg, Berlin and Reykjavik to Leeds, Edinburgh and Portland, measure the carbon they save, with the benefits and limits of each method and a recommended method for Benthyg Cymru. It helped shape how we count the carbon saved by every loan.
-
Libraries of Things: exploring business model configurations and dominant archetypes
Emily Silva, Lund University. Includes an interview with our founder, Alan Dalgairns.
A study of how Libraries of Things around the world are set up and run, and the common models they follow.
Researching libraries of things, sharing or the circular economy? We're happy to help. Email info@libraryofstuff.co.uk.